ZPPA directs minimal use of paper to prevent theft
THE use of circulation papers by Procurement Committees should be minimised in order to prevent collusion and theft, the Zambia Public Procurement Authority (ZPPA) has directed.
This is after ZPPA issued guidelines on the establishment and composition of Procurement Committees for all institutions involved in buying goods and services.
ZPPA Director General Idah Chella advised all Procuring Entities (PEs) whose Procurement Committees were not constituted according to section 27 of the Public Procurement Act No.8 of 2020 to appoint new members in line with the Act.
Ms Chella therefore directed Procurement Committees to minimise the use of circulation papers in an effort to prevent collusion and theft.
This is contained in a Circular addressed to all Permanent Secretaries, Chief Executives Officers of State Owned Enterprises (SOEs), Town Clerks and Council Secretaries of Local Authorities.
“PEs should only undertake procurements that are contained in the annual procurement plan except in the case of emergencies in accordance with section 57 of the Public Procurement Act,” Ms Chella said.
She further advised that in appointing members to the Procurement Committee, the tenure stipulated in section 29(1) of the Public Procurement Act should be complied with.
Ms Chella said it was important for PEs to orient their Procurement Committees on their duties, responsibilities and public procurement procedures in order to enhance their understanding of public procurement.
She indicated that Procurement Committee members should not be members of the Evaluation Committee except for heads of procurement units, in accordance with regulation 97(5) and (6) of the Public Procurement Regulations, 2022.
Ms Chella indicated that the Evaluation Committees should not be appointed on permanent but ad hoc basis.